Tasteful Darkness

Chapter 36

Balendin - Two years ago

I sit on the roof of a building, my legs dangling off the edge. I love staying up here, but with humans being so curious, I only risk doing it at night. Being able to see the city laid out in front of me is always so calming.

It would be the same in the Underworld, I know my creator would say. It's true, in a way. I would spend the rest of my existence watching over my own faction of the Underworld. I would be a true Guard.

I nearly roll my eyes. It's not the same. Down there, I wouldn't watch people live. I would only watch souls drown in shadows.

I have two more human years of this before I return to darkness.

Sometimes it's difficult to admit to myself how much I enjoy the company of the living. The idea of it makes me feel as if I'm going against everything I was created for.

Deep down I know I am.

I stand, the wind whipping against my face and rushing through my short hair. My form is one I've used many times before because of how humans react to it. It's the face of a man who had been the desire for everyone's paintings centuries ago. If I were a human, I'm sure I would be just as intrigued in him as everyone else is.

Before I can leap from the edge and continue on with the rest of my night, something catches my attention. A familiar scent. There is smoke in the air, and it's coming from somewhere close. I do a quick scan of the horizon and spot a pillar of smoke rising on the horizon. For an unknown reason, I'm drawn to it. As if something is telling me to go to it.

Or someone.

At first, I hesitate. I'm not used to things telling me where to go or what to do unless that thing is my creator.

But what else is there to do? Spend the rest of the night wandering and looking for potential souls?

I don't give it any further thought. I jump from the roof and land softly on the next. I keep going, traveling at lightning speeds but not making a single sound. I don't stop until I'm standing on the building directly next to the one that is burning.

The blinding flames lick at the wood structure. My eyes dart to the left at the sound of laughter. Three men stand in front of the building. All of them carry torches and bottles of alcohol. One of them steps forward and throws a bottle with as much force as he can muster. The glass explodes and sends the fire into a hungry frenzy.

I narrow my eyes at them, confused. What is the point of burning such a place? What—

"Die witch!" the other man shouts. "Burn in hell!"

My upper lip twitches. I see now.

I clench my hand into a fist. The temptation to kill them where they stand is nearly too much to bear. I pride myself in not getting involved with human affairs, but this is what cost me a fair life years ago. I will not stand for it to continue.

I go to jump towards them.

A sound stops me and sends chills across my body.

There is someone burning.

Without thinking, I jump directly into the smoke. The roof is completely destroyed and I pass through it, landing on the second floor with ease. The flames are too consuming for me to see anything as I rise to a standing position. With a wave of my hands, the fire parts for me and I can walk through.

There is no one here.

"We've done our damage," I hear one of the men outside yell. "Let's go."

I curse underneath my breath, knowing I'll have no way of finding them if they leave.